Begonia ‘China Curl’ (Begonia rex hybrid)
Bursting with texture, color and form, this standard Rex gives new meaning to the word "spiraled." A center band of silver follows the deeply twisting curls, while chocolate-brown defines its edges and radiates from the center. To bring the beholder into awe, a deep pink emanates into the silver banding giving the gardener many possibilities for the windowsill, sunroom or summer potted garden.

Hardiness Zone

10

Sun Requirement

Partial Sun

Grows to

14"

Minimum Temperature Indoors

60

Plant Type

Good for a Hanging Basket

Tips for Success:

• Place in good light; some direct sunlight is needed.• Accurate watering – Bring plant to a slight wilt between waterings.• Moderate fertilizer once a month. Stop fertilizer in the winter.• Keep humidity above 50% and night temperatures above 60-65ºF.• Growth cycle slows and stops for 2-3 months in the winter. Plants can lose some leaves during this resting period. This is normal. Continue normal watering.• Use terra cotta or clay pots.• Keep an eye out for mildew to which Rexes have some susceptibility.

Treating Mildew

• Identify - Appears as a white powder on the surface of the leaves, usually at the change of seasons.• Treatment - Apply a baking soda solution -1Tbl/quart with a dribble of dishwashing detergent.• Application - Spray at first signs and reapply every other day for 4-5 applications.• Prevention - Spray once every 3 months. Pure Neem Oil is effective on mildew.